Mom upset autistic son sent to juvy detention after violent outburst in Johnston

An Urbandale mother talked today about how she is at a loss of what to do for her autistic son after an episode of violence sent him to a juvenile detention facility May 4.

A stun gun was used on Jeri Pilmer’s son, John, after he assaulted police officers and was disorderly in the lobby of Wynnsong Theaters, 5233 Stoney Creek Court. The Taser was used after two Johnston officers and a Polk County sheriff’s deputy tried to calm the boy down after several minutes of fighting, crying and thrashing.

John Pilmer, 15, was transported the same night to Meyer Hall and will remain there until an opening becomes available for an in-home monitoring program. Although he is autistic, Jeri Pilmer was told at the detention center that all teenagers are treated the same.

“He’s been on suicide watch. I requested that they send him to Lutheran (Hospital) but they wouldn’t. They said it was the court officer’s decisison,” she said.

A reportedly stolen wallet was the catalyst for what happened May 4. John Pilmer had gone out to see The Avengers with friends when he was accused of stealing a wallet from a 15-year-old Dallas Center boy. When the teen reportedly discovered it on John Pilmer he took it back and swore at him. From there a fight ensued.

By the time an officer arrived, the boys were separated. The victim of the theft was outside, but John Pilmer was still in the theater.

According to audio from the police car dash-mounted camera, when officer Cale McClain made contact with John Pilmer the teen began to scream obscenities at him.

According to the audio McClain told Pilmer if he didn’t calm down “it’s going to be bad.”

John Pilmer continued to not follow the officer’s instructions saying, “you don’t want to see me get mad.”

At that point, McClain is heard saying “I’m going to tase you.”

Aswegan said John Pilmer knocked the Taser out of the officer’s hand and proceeded to assault him. During the struggle, McClain’s hand was broken.

Johnston Officer Jeremy Christensen arrived on scene to assist. According to a cellphone video taken by a bystander, the men held the teenager to the ground and told him to calm down, stay down and relax.

A Polk County Sheriff’s deputy also arrived to help.

Aswegan said a teenage boy did tell officers Pilmer was autistic.

“Just because an unknown teenager tells you the boy’s autistic doesn’t mean they’re going to stop what they’re doing,” the lieutenant said.

Video showed John Pilmer calm enough for the officers and deputy to walk out of the theater. As they began to walk out, another deputy walked in and the boy began to lash out again.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputy Heath Osberg, used the stun gun on John Pilmer.

Aswegan said it was unclear what caused Pilmer to act out when the fourth officer arrived.

“We (were) just trying to get him out of theater where he’s no longer a threat to himself or anyone else and contact his parents,” he said.

When Jeri Pilmer got the call about her son, she said she was shocked. She, her daughter and ex-husband arrived on scene after the incident and found John Pilmer outside.

“We ran right to John. We were on either side of him (Jeri Pilmer and teen’s father David), his sister was standing in front of him – emotions were running high,” she said.

David Pilmer screamed he wanted the cuffs off his son, Jeri Pilmer said.

According to the police report the boy’s father was arrested after he made threats toward police about using a Taser on them.

Jeri Pilmer said she just held him as rocked back and forth. When she went to call her son’s remedial worker police had transported her son to Meyer Hall.

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye,” she said.

Since the incident Jeri Pilmer has requested to see the video, dash cam audio and police report. All requests have been denied.

“I requested to see it last night (Wednesday) and Johnston PD said unless we had a court order or attorney we could not view the video,” she said.

Aswegan would not release the dash cam audio or cellphone video because the incident is still under investigation, but it was shown to a reporter. He said he’s doing an internal investigation based on use of force and that a criminal investigation against John Pilmer also is ongoing.

John Pilmer was charged with assault with intent of injury on a peace officer, disorderly conduct, fifth-degree theft, assault and interference with official acts.

Aswegan said when Pilmer’s parents arrived at the theaters, they were argumentative and disruptive. According to the police report, the boy’s father was arrested after he made threats toward police about using a Taser on them.

“No parent wants to hear or know their child’s been involved in an incident with law enforcement,” Aswegan said. “It’s an unfortunate circumstance.”